Bhubaneswar: The international film festival by JD Centre of Art (JDCA), which has begun at IDCOL Auditorium here Friday, is focusing on architecture in its current installment.

Luminaries from the field of architecture and art are expected to share their knowledge at the venue during its tenure.

The  festival began with  screening of documentary ‘Nabakalebara- God’s Own People’ made by Nila Madhab Panda. Nina Sabnani’s ‘Hum Chitra Banate Hain’ and Norway-based Tuva Synnevag’s ‘Saiva’, which talks about tribes in Siberia, were among the documentaries that were presented, Friday.

 JDCA founder Jatin Das spoke at the event: “JDCA’s journey has been overwhelming so far, and we still have to go a long way to go for our art and artists.”

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who took part in the event Friday, appreciated the organisers efforts to hold the event. “Art is a reflection of our emotions; it is a manifestation of our inner awareness. Art integrates every aspect of our physical and intellectual experience,” he said.

During the three-day event, around 28 short films from countries — Afghanistan, Cambodia, England, France, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and USA – are planned to be screened.

Award-winning filmmakers Nandan Saxena and Kavita Bahl will be holding two workshops on cinematic filmmaking here. Adoor Goplakrishnan, an eminent filmmaker, said that such events help in promoting and encouraging the local art within the country and abroad. 

Screening of the 45-minute film ‘Metamorphosis’ by Sujata Kulshreshtha — based on the life of renowned artist Satish Gujral — was equally inspiring as it presented his efforts and struggles.  Well-known photographer Raghu Rai took the occasion to speak about his passion. “A photographer documents time. Just like any other art form, photography is also subjected to change with time.” An exhibition showcasing traditional handicraft products, handlooms, and books and magazines on art and culture is set up where many artisans and artists are taking part. Festival director Aruna Vasudev and Lalit Mansingh also spoke on the occasion.